Bankruptcy Could Be the Lifeline You Need

Eliminate Debt, Stop Foreclosure, Start Over Now. Our Law Firm Can Help.

"I don't want to lose my home to foreclosure." "The bank is threatening to repossess my car." "Creditors keep calling but I can't pay my bills." "I don't know how to get rid of my debt." "Going bankrupt is a last resort, right?" "Will I ever have a good credit score again?"

Sound familiar? Each year, nearly one million Americans (and often even more) have those same fears and choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy as the best way to make a new start in life. Many were given an unaffordable home loan by an irresponsible mortgage broker, awarded a line of credit by reckless loan officer, or pressured into buying a car and now can't make the payments. Other folks were laid off from work and now can't get a job.

Jump to the following sections:

• Bankruptcy Overview
• What is Bankruptcy?
• Why Filing May Be Right For You
• Why You Need a Bankruptcy Attorney
• What Are Exemptions?
• Our Services

Faced with these obstacles, choosing to declare bankruptcy is the smartest solution for thousands of hard-working people. Taking this step might be the right answer for you, too. Unfortunately, there's still a stigma attached to "going bankrupt." But the reality is, many people need to take this important step. Bankruptcy is simply a legal term used to describe the reorganization and/or elimination of debt.

At Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC, we've seen first-hand how bankruptcy helps honest, hard-working people solve their financial problems. When people get help from a bankruptcy attorney, they can start planning for the future. The main thing to remember is you're not alone. There are many other people dealing with a financial crisis and confused about how to protect their home. They're struggling with keeping their car, eliminating debt and holding on to possessions. If you're facing the same problems, we can help.

Stop Collection Agency Calls, Protect Your Home, Car and Possessions

Across the country, millions of good folks who have been working hard their entire lives have had to face the fact that they can't make ends meet. Perhaps they lost a job, have a mountain of medical bills, can't pay the mortgage or are falling behind on car payments and creditors. Don't despair: There is a way out, and the compassionate legal professionals at Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC can help you make a fresh start.

Can't Pay the Mortgage? Late Payments? Mounting Debt? Contact Us

Bankruptcy used to have a bad reputation as an indication of irresponsibility, but in this economic climate when everyone is hurting, it's a fact of life. For many people just like you, bankruptcy can be the smartest way to take control of rising debt. And bankruptcy is not as complicated as you might think. Simply put, United States bankruptcy law allows individuals and businesses to eliminate or reorganize debt.

If you got injured at work, were laid off, lost a loved one, had a major medical emergency or have been living above your means, reorganizing your debt can be the ideal solution. Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC can help you with either Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Debt Relief Means Peace of Mind - Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC Can Help You

Many South Carolinians qualify for bankruptcy but don't know it. Others who qualify may worry that it conflicts with faith or the ethics with which they were raised. We can address all these issues with you and assess whether it's the right solution.

Filing for bankruptcy can be complicated. Choosing the right, lawyer should be simple. Call Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC at (803) 799-1700 or contact us online for a free initial evaluation. Our discussion will be fully confidential.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people understand their financial options and file bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Overview

Many Americans file for bankruptcy every year. Each person files for different reasons, with unpaid medical bills, mounting debt and loss of income atop the list. Many people consider taking such actin a last resort, but we see things differently. For many of our clients, choosing to declare bankruptcy is their first and smartest choice, the best resolution for out-of-control debt.

There are many ways that bankruptcy can help solve your financial crisis. Filing can:

• Stop harassment by collection agencies
• Stop lawsuits filed by creditors
• Stop foreclosure on your unsold home
• Let you keep your home for good
• Let you keep your car
• Let you get back your repossessed vehicle
• Resolve tax problems
• Eliminate medical bills after a long illness
• Eliminate credit card debt
• Discharge civil judgments
• Stop wage-garnishment

Bankruptcy Can Be a Lifeline to Help Save Your Home and Get Debt Relief

We have years of experience helping financially strapped families dig out from under heavy debt and get back on track. We can help you with everything from arranging credit counseling and stopping harassment by creditors to explaining exemptions and what happens in bankruptcy court. Contact Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC today.

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What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal term for a federal law that allows hard-working people to get out from under debt and make a new start. Depending on the type of bankruptcy, you may be able to eliminate debt completely, "discharging" debts if you owe money to credit card companies, hospitals, doctors or others parties. Bankruptcy can consolidate debt as well, reorganizing money owed into a manageable payment plan. Declaring bankruptcy can also save your home, your car and other vital possessions. If you're out of a job, bankruptcy can help you get back on your feet financially.

There are several forms of bankruptcy, but the two most common, geared to help individuals struggling with financial burdens, are called Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Bankruptcy can help you prevent foreclosure, keep your car from being repossessed, make creditors stop harassing you and get rid of the debt that's being hanging over you. Simply put, bankruptcy can allow you to finally get your life back on track.

The bankruptcy process can be complex and confusing, with numerous forms requiring details about your financial information. They must be filled out meticulously and then filed with the United States federal bankruptcy court. The experienced attorneys at Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC can help you every step of the way.

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Why Filing May Be Right For You

If you've been struggling with financial hardship, you've no doubt been getting advice from plenty of well-intentioned people. Your accountant, your tax preparer, friends and relatives have probably all had suggestions, from doing a refi to taking on a second job to renting out a room in your house. But nothing works: The bills are piling up, you're being harassed by collection agencies and you're behind on your mortgage. You have no savings left and no idea how to get your finances in order.

Don't give up hope. Contact us. We can show you how bankruptcy can put you on the path to financial recovery.

There is a long list of reasons why millions of Americans declare bankruptcy, some of which may apply to you:

• You're one of the many victims of high unemployment and can't find a job.
• You can't pay the bills, including car and mortgage payments.
• You have large medical bills.
• The mortgage company has threatened foreclosure.
• Your car might get repossessed - or it has been already.
• You have to pay one credit card bill with another credit card.
• You don't know how to protect your assets.
• You're being harassed by creditors, with phone calls and form letters.
• A creditor has filed or threatened to file a lawsuit against you.
• You have extensive IRS debt and owe back-taxes.

Most people fear that bankruptcy would mean they'd lose their house, car, belongings, 401(k), IRA or other assets. But many assets are protected from creditors when you file for bankruptcy. So even if CPAs, bookkeepers and loved ones who think they're good with money keep telling you to sell your assets to pay your bills, don't! They can't offer you the hands-on experience and reliable legal know-how you'll find at Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC. Find out how we can help you make a fresh start. Contact us today.

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Why You Need A Bankruptcy Attorney

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina cautions citizens that, though you are allowed to represent yourself, you should understand what you're facing by going through the complex process alone.  Many people who are in debt and seeking to file for bankruptcy without an attorney often do not get the results they're hoping for. That's because they don't understand the court's requirements, which include hard deadlines to submit certain information. At Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC, we are extremely familiar with all the court's requirements, and we work hard to ensure that our clients meet its strict deadlines, submitting every single piece of information required in the bankruptcy process, accurately and on time.

Declaring bankruptcy is often the best option to help people just like you get a brand new start. But it is a very involved process that should be handled by someone who knows bankruptcy law inside and out. An experienced, easy-to-talk-to lawyer can help you on every front, from negotiating with creditors such as your mortgage company or car loan bank, to dealing with bankruptcy court and representing you in a bankruptcy hearing.  You'll find that type of legal professional at our firm.

Because the courts are only allowed to provide limited assistance and cannot give legal advice, without a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney at your side, you'd have to handle every aspect on your own. Contact us before creditors initiate lawsuits in order to settle claims against you.

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What Are Exemptions?

The first question on most people's minds if they are considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is what they can keep and what they'll lose if they file for bankruptcy.  Most people fear they could lose everything if they file for bankruptcy, but that's a myth. The reality is that bankruptcy courts and threatening creditors alike want consumers to get back on their feet financially.

In many cases, consumers can keep what they need to make a new start: the house, the car and key possessions. The legal term for protecting this property is "exemption," and in South Carolina, these exemptions are generally determined under state law.

South Carolina bankruptcy exemptions can help ensure that you will not lose the following in a bankruptcy filing:

• Your home
• Your car
• Household items and apparel
• Assets you need in order to work
• Government compensation and pensions
• Life insurance policies
• Jewelry

Though declaring bankruptcy cannot erase certain debts such as alimony, child support, most student loans and some taxes, with bankruptcy debt relief from other obligations, you can more easily stay on top of those remaining. Call the reputable, understanding attorneys at Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC. We will help you figure out what is and is not exempt if you plan to file. Filing for bankruptcy does not mean losing everything. It often means keeping most of what you have!

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Our Services

When clients come to us, they are usually distressed and panicking that they are about to lose their home, their car and their possessions. They may have lost a job due to being laid off in this tough economy and can't find work due to the high unemployment rate. They may have suffered a medical hardship and are watching bills pile up. They may be behind on car payments or unable to pay the mortgage.

The bankruptcy process is complicated and can be overwhelming, especially for folks who are already afraid of losing everything. Everyone at the Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC is compassionate and understands how tough the recession has been on everyone.

We know you've worked hard your whole life and we want to help you get back on your feet. These are just a few ways we can help you if you're considering declaring bankruptcy:

• Determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is best for you
• Explain the differences between secured, unsecured, tax, contingent and non-dischargeable debts
• Assess whether you owe money on exempt property, nonexempt, real or personal
• Get all the paperwork filled out accurately
• Submit paperwork according to U.S. Bankruptcy Court South Carolina District strict deadlines
• Start you on your path to rebuilding your credit score

Being financially strapped makes you feel vulnerable, fearful and hopeless. You need someone you can trust 100 percent with your personal financial information. Call Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC today at (803) 799-1700 or contact us online for a free initial evaluation. Every discussion is confidential.

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